Need A Jet Boat Mechanic in San Diego

Ok, ive hit a wall with this ignition/timing/firing order. Nothing serious, im just not a good mechanic yet. Can someone reccomend a good mechanic to work on my 455 olds in my jet boat in the San Diego area? I know JP Marine is pretty good, but they are kinda busy...id like to be at Fishers this weekend....

What seems to be the problem? I'm sure with enough questions people on here can help you get it solved.

First what engine is it?

Firing order for a BB0 is 18436572

here is a diagram

Start there, make sure all your wires go where they need to go.

Next make sure that when you drop the distributor in you are on the compression stroke and the number 1 cylinder is at top dead center. Also make sure that the rotor is pointing to the number one plug wire on the distributor. That should get you close. Then get a good timing light attach the leads to the battery, and the wire clip the number one spark plug wire. Put the distributor clamp on but not tight, loose enough so you can still turn the distributor by hand.

Try starting the motor, you may have to turn the distributor slightly in either direction slightly to get it going. Once you have it going bring the rpm up to about 3000 and set the timing at 32 to 34. By 3000 all the advance should be in and no longer advancing as you increase rpm. Don't worry too much about what timing is at idle, in a jet boat it is irrelevant. We're not trying to pass smog here.

Once you have the timing set secure the distributor clamp and set the idle with the carb around 900 to 1000 out of the water. In the water it will probably end up around 800.

All this is assuming a relatively stock or mild motor. Hope this helps.

What seems to be the problem? I'm sure with enough questions people on here can help you get it solved.

First what engine is it?

Firing order for a BB0 is 18436572

here is a diagram

Start there, make sure all your wires go where they need to go.

Next make sure that when you drop the distributor in you are on the compression stroke and the number 1 cylinder is at top dead center. Also make sure that the rotor is pointing to the number one plug wire on the distributor. That should get you close. Then get a good timing light attach the leads to the battery, and the wire clip the number one spark plug wire. Put the distributor clamp on but not tight, loose enough so you can still turn the distributor by hand.

Try starting the motor, you may have to turn the distributor slightly in either direction slightly to get it going. Once you have it going bring the rpm up to about 3000 and set the timing at 32 to 34. By 3000 all the advance should be in and no longer advancing as you increase rpm. Don't worry too much about what timing is at idle, in a jet boat it is irrelevant. We're not trying to pass smog here.

Once you have the timing set secure the distributor clamp and set the idle with the carb around 900 to 1000 out of the water. In the water it will probably end up around 800.

All this is assuming a relatively stock or mild motor. Hope this helps.

Thanks for that info...i printed it off, and will definitly use it. My biggest issue right now is that I have managed to cook my HEI coil in the dist. cap last week. I posted this issue in another thread....i never really got it resolved, and I wanted a professional to take a look before i cooked another one. The manufacurer and several other people claim i only need to supply 1 12volt input wire, which is my purple igniton wire, and 1 wire for the tach and thats it. I checked and rechecked the voltage and it holds steady at 12.4v, so im worried something else is wrong. The nice people at proform cant seem to figure it out either, and claim im doing everything correct. Maybe I installed the cap wrong? Missed a ground? I checked it all 3x, and it seemed right to me, so i need outside help. Im only 26, so i lack some of the wisdom that you older guys have.... Ill try working on the timing though...it will be a good learning experience for me.

Thanks for that info...i printed it off, and will definitly use it. My biggest issue right now is that I have managed to cook my HEI coil in the dist. cap last week. I posted this issue in another thread....i never really got it resolved, and I wanted a professional to take a look before i cooked another one. The manufacurer and several other people claim i only need to supply 1 12volt input wire, which is my purple igniton wire, and 1 wire for the tach and thats it. I checked and rechecked the voltage and it holds steady at 12.4v, so im worried something else is wrong. The nice people at proform cant seem to figure it out either, and claim im doing everything correct. Maybe I installed the cap wrong? Missed a ground? I checked it all 3x, and it seemed right to me, so i need outside help. Im only 26, so i lack some of the wisdom that you older guys have.... Ill try working on the timing though...it will be a good learning experience for me.

You could try it and just run a wire directly from the battery to the hei coil just to try it. But yes you are correct, you'll only need a 12+ and a tach hook up for the HEI. They are very simple, usually very reliable too. They are grounded through the engine and distributor clamp.

You could try it and just run a wire directly from the battery to the hei coil just to try it. But yes you are correct, you'll only need a 12+ and a tach hook up for the HEI. They are very simple, usually very reliable too. They are grounded through the engine and distributor clamp.

Maybe ill try that just to see what happens....i just want to hit the river on friday, so i only have one shot to get it right. Thanks for the help. This problem has stumped everyone....seems to be unique. As soon as i figure this out ill post pics and the solution.

could of been a bad unit. that 12v is only when the ignition is on correct? You dont want to have constant power to the coil if it is not running. it will burn the coil up.

No, its only when the ignition(key) is turned to "on." I didnt have it "on" for more than a few mins....2 at the most. Its at the shop right now...well see what he says in the am. Thank you everyone for the help...ill post pictures and info after i hear back....